Public Waters and Lands Conservation with Josh Mills - Wild Steelhead Coalition, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Clearwater River

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/670  

Presented By: Togens Fly Shop, FishHound Expeditions, TroutRoutes, Angler's Coffee

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors      

Josh Mills, a seasoned expert from the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers team, as well as a board member of the Wild Steelhead Coalition and an accomplished steelhead fly tier, is set to guide us through the Clearwater River and public waters and lands.

Today, you'll learn how to adjust your reel technique for enhanced stealth. We'll also provide an update on the status of the Lower Snake River dams and their current developments. Additionally, you'll discover what a public lands yard sale entails. Moreover, we'll analyze a significant western stream to improve your success on the water this year. Together, we'll delve deep into the topics of steelhead fishing and conservation. Let's begin our journey.

Episode Chapters with Josh Mills on Public Waters and Lands

3:19 - We talk about our top destinations for steelhead fishing. Josh feels fortunate to fish in local rivers like the Clearwater and Salmon, but he reminisces about a memorable trip to the Skeena region in 2012 and plans to return in 2025. He also dreams of fishing in Northern California, inspired by historical figures in the steelhead community.

12:15 - Josh discusses his fishing strategy, focusing on the Clearwater River. He fishes the Clearwater from August through September, as fish from different basins, including the Snake and Grand Ronde Rivers, seek the cold water as a thermal refuge. He notes the Clearwater can be a challenging but rewarding river to fish. Once the thermal block breaks, fish often return to the Snake River, and Josh shifts his focus to the Grand Ronde system.

16:11 - We ask Josh for advice on fly patterns for steelhead fishing on the Deschutes River in October. He responds by emphasizing the unpredictable nature of steelhead fishing, suggesting that success often depends on the angler's confidence and intuition rather than specific fly patterns. He explains that steelhead are curious and might bite at almost anything due to aggression, predatory instincts, or curiosity.

23:31 - We dig into his involvement with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) and the Wild Steelhead Coalition. He initially got involved by running fundraisers and joining the board of the latter, which led him deeper into conservation efforts. He started volunteering with BHA in 2015, an organization dedicated to protecting public lands and waters in North America. Josh felt compelled to protect these lands, recognizing their importance for recreation and conservation.

28:57 - We get into the complexities of public land and water access laws in the United States, particularly focusing on differences between states. Josh elaborates on the varied stream access laws across states, highlighting how states like Washington, Idaho, and Montana have more permissive laws, while Colorado and Utah face significant challenges.

42:37 - We discuss Josh's experiences and growth in fly fishing. Josh emphasizes the continuous nature of learning and improving in fishing. He talks about the technical skills involved, such as casting and line management, and how observing skilled anglers like Brian Chou and others has inspired him. Josh admires their proficiency in handling challenging conditions and accurately predicting fish locations.

Josh acknowledges that despite trying to replicate the techniques of skilled anglers, there are subtle differences in execution that impact results. He emphasizes the importance of learning from ot